Disassembling the shelves of a Samsung refrigerator: instructions with photos and tips

Rearranging shelves in a refrigerator Samsung is a task that every owner faces sooner or later. Some people want to optimize the space for tall bottles, others need to wash the shelves from old stains, and some decide to completely reorganize the storage system. However, improper dismantling may cause damage to the mounts, scratches on the glass, or even breakage of the guides. This article contains detailed instructions on how safely remove and install shelves in refrigerators Samsung of different series, including No Frost, BioFresh classic models with a drip system.

We will analyze not only standard glass shelves, but also plastic containers, shelves on the door, and also tell you how to deal with “jammed” elements. We will pay special attention hidden nuances: for example, why some shelves can only be removed in a certain order, or how to avoid distortion when reinstalling. If you have never done this before, don’t worry: the process is simpler than it seems if you know the key points.

⚠️ Important: before starting work, unplug the refrigerator and wait until the interior warms up to room temperature (especially important for models with No Frost). A sharp change in temperature can cause cracks on glass shelves.

If your refrigerator Samsung was produced before 2015, check the condition of the plastic fasteners - over time they become fragile. In this case, dismantling requires special care.

1. Preparation: tools and safety precautions

Before you start disassembling, prepare everything you need. Most shelves in refrigerators Samsung can be removed without tools, but some models (for example, series RF or RS) may have additional latches.

Here's what you'll need:

• 🧽 Soft cloth or towel (to place under the shelves when removing)
• 🧴 Glass cleaner or vinegar solution (if you plan to clean)
• 🔧 Plastic spatula or spatula (for models with latches)
• 📸 Smartphone (to take a photo of the original location shelves)
• 🧤 Rubber gloves (will protect your hands from sharp edges of glass)

If your refrigerator is equipped with shelves with metal guides (often found in models Samsung RL or RB), you may need a flat-head screwdriver sting. However do not use metal tools to dismantle glass elements, this is fraught with chips.

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to remove shelves “hot” - if the refrigerator has just been running, the glass may burst from mechanical stress. Wait 15–20 minutes after turning off.

2. Types of shelf fastenings in Samsung refrigerators

The design of the fastenings depends on the model and year of manufacture. In modern refrigerators Samsung (2018 and newer) plastic latches or groovesare most often used, while in older models (before 2015) you can find metal hooks or screws.

Main types fastenings:

• 🔄 Shelves on guides: glass is fixed in grooves on the side walls (the most common option).
• 🔗 Latches: plastic clips that need to be squeezed out (found in models Samsung Family Hub).
• 🔩 Screw fastenings: rarely, but used in premium series (for example, Bespoke).
• 🧲 Magnetic latches: in some models with door shelves.

To determine the type of fastening in your refrigerator, look under the shelf - usually you can see grooves or latches there. If the design is not obvious, look compatibility table below.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with a system No Frost (for example, Samsung RB37J5230) often has ventilation holes. Do not confuse them with shelf fastenings - these are separate elements!

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to remove glass shelves

Glass shelves are the most common type. in refrigerators Samsung. Their dismantling usually does not cause difficulties, but there are nuances that many do not know about. For example, illuminated shelves (as in models Family Hub) require preliminary disconnection of contacts.

Action algorithm:

1. Free the shelf from products and accessories (containers, stands).
2. Lift the front edge of the shelf by 2-3 cm and pull it towards you. If the shelf does not give way, check if there are additional latches at the back.
3. If the shelf is "jammed", gently rock it from side to side without using excessive force.
4. After removing, place the shelf on a soft surface (towel) to avoid scratches.

In models with telescopic guides (for example, Samsung RS62R5001) the shelves extend completely, like drawers. To remove such shelves:

1. Pull out the shelf until it stops.
2. Lift the front part and pull it up - it will come out of the grooves.

⚠️ Attention: Some glass shelves in refrigerators Samsung have asymmetrical fasteningIf when you put the shelf back in place, turn it over - you may be trying to insert it upside down.

Empty the shelf of products|Unplug the refrigerator|Put a soft cloth on the floor|Take a photo of the original position|Check the type of fastening-->

4. Dismantling plastic containers and door shelves

Plastic elements (boxes for vegetables, shelves on doors) are removed differently than glass ones. The main difficulty is hidden latcheswhich are not always visible at the first inspection. For example, in models Samsung RL38 the drawers for vegetables are fixed using side grooves and a central pin.

How to remove plastic containers:

• 🥬 Pull the drawer out all the way.
• 🔝 Lift the front part by 5–7 cm - clicks should be heard (these are the latches coming out).
• 🪜 Gently pull the drawer towards you, holding it raised condition.

Door shelves in refrigerators Samsung are usually attached to plastic hooks or magnets. To remove them:

1. Hold the shelf from below with one hand.
2. With the other hand, press the top edge of the shelf towards the door (this will loosen the latch).
3. Pull the shelf up - it should come out of the grooves.

⚠️ Attention: In models with automatic ice maker (for example, Samsung RS27T5561) door shelves can be connected to the water supply system. Do not try to remove them without first disconnecting the hoses!

What to do if the shelf is stuck?

If the shelf does not come off despite all efforts, check:

1) Is there ice on the guides (relevant for models without No Frost).

2) Are the metal fasteners bent (often happens after careless installation).

3) Is the shelf blocking the adjacent element (for example, in two-door Side-by-Side models).

As a last resort, use a plastic pick to carefully pry the latch.

5. Features of disassembly in refrigerators with No Frost

Refrigerators Samsung with the system No Frost (for example, Samsung RB37J5230 or Samsung RL43) have additional ventilation ducts and heating elements. This imposes restrictions on disassembly:

• ❄️ You cannot remove the back wall yourself - this will disrupt the operation of the defrosting system.
• 🔌 Before dismantling the shelves, be sure to unplug the refrigerator for 30 minutes (to discharge the capacitors).
• 🌀 Shelves in the freezer the chamber may have additional clamps due to vibration of the compressor.

In some models (for example, Samsung RS62R5001) glass shelves in the freezer are secured with metal brackets. To remove them:

1. Unscrew the screws holding the brackets (you will need a Phillips screwdriver).
2. Gently slide the shelf forward, holding the brackets so that they do not fall into the camera.

B On Samsung refrigerators with Twin Cooling Plus technology (two independent cooling systems), the shelves in the refrigerator and freezer compartments are removed differently. Do not confuse them - the design of the clamps may be radically different!

⚠️ Attention: If, after removing the shelves, you notice something on the guides ice or frost, do not install the shelves back until you fix the problem. This may be a sign of a system malfunction No Frost.

6. Reinstalling shelves: how to avoid mistakes

Reinstalling shelves often raises more questions than dismantling them. The main mistake is wrong positioning, due to which the shelf is not fixed or is warped. To avoid problems, follow these rules:

Procedure:

• 📏 Check that the guides on the side walls are clean and not deformed.
• 🔄 Make sure the shelf installed right side (on many models Samsung there are marks in the form of arrows or the inscription "FRONT").
• 📌 Insert the shelf at an angle of 10-15°, then lower the rear edge into grooves.
• 🔊 When installed correctly, you should hear a click (in models with latches).

If the shelf does not fit into place:

1. Check whether adjacent shelves or drawers are in the way.
2. Make sure that the guides are not bent (relevant for older models).
3. In models with LED backlight (for example, Samsung RF23), check whether the cable is pinched.

⚠️ Attention: After installing the shelves, turn on the refrigerator and check for extraneous vibrations or noise. If the shelf is installed crookedly, this may cause rattling when the compressor operates.

7. Cleaning and caring for shelves after disassembly

If you removed the shelves for washing, avoid aggressive detergents - they can damage the coating or leave streaks. Optimal options:

• 🧼 Warm solution of water with vinegar (1:1) - removes limescale.
• 🍋 Lemon juice - helps against yellowness on plastic elements.
• 🧴 Special products for glass (for example, Mr. Proper for the kitchen).

For glass shelves:

1. Rinse under warm water with a soft sponge.
2. Wipe dry with a microfiber cloth (this will prevent stains).
3. Do not use abrasive sponges - they will scratch the surface.

For plastic containers:

1. Soak in warm water with baking soda for 10-15 minutes.
2. Clean with a soft bristle brush.
3. Do not dry in direct sunlight - the plastic may become deformed.

⚠️ Attention: Do not wash the shelves in the dishwasher - even if they are marked as “washable”. High temperatures and aggressive detergents can damage the fasteners or cause clouding of the glass.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about disassembling shelves in Samsung refrigerators

Is it possible to remove the shelves without unplugging the refrigerator?

Technically it is possible, but highly not recommended. Firstly, it is unsafe (risk of electric shock when contacting metal elements). Secondly, in models with No Frost a sudden change in temperature can cause cracks in the glass. Always turn off the refrigerator 15–20 minutes before starting work.

Why doesn’t the shelf go back up, although everything seems to be correct?

The most common reasons:

• The shelf is turned upside down feet" (check the marks or logo Samsung —they should be on top).
• The guides are dirty or deformed (wipe them and check visually).
• The adjacent shelf is in the way (in some models the shelves are installed in a strict order).

How to remove a shelf from backlight?

In models with LED backlight (for example, Samsung Family Hub), first disconnect the contacts:

1. Remove the protective cover from the back of the shelf (carefully pry plastic spatula).
2. Disconnect the backlight power connector.
3. Only then remove the shelf in the standard way.

When reinstalling, make sure that the contacts are dry and clean.

Is it possible to replace a glass shelf with a plastic one (or vice versa)?

No, this is unacceptable. Refrigerator shelves Samsung are designed for a specific load and fastening system. For example, glass shelves in models can withstand up to 25 kg, while plastic shelves can withstand a maximum of 5 kg. Replacement can lead to breakage of the guides or even the fall of the shelf. Samsung RL can withstand up to 25 kg, while plastic ones - a maximum of 5 kg. Replacement may cause the guides to break or even cause the shelf to fall.

What to do if the shelf fastening is broken?

If the plastic retainer is cracked, it can be temporarily replaced with:

• 🔧 Metal a hook of a suitable size (for older models).
• 🧲 Silicone seal (for fixing glass shelves).

However, for reliable repairs, it is better to order an original spare part from Samsung (the fastening article is usually indicated in the instructions). In Moscow and St. Petersburg, parts can be found in service centers or on Yandex.Market.